Bedfordshire firefighters climb the height of the Twin Towers in 9/11 tribute
Three local firefighters are among hundreds taking on the Memorial Stair Climb 25 years on
Three firefighters from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service are in Atlanta today, taking on the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to mark 25 years since the September 11th attacks.
Firefighter Martin Spright, Group Commander James West and Station Commander Emily Crawford have joined firefighters from across the UK and around the world to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Climbing 110 storeys in full kit
The challenge sees participants climb 110 storeys, the height of the World Trade Center towers, while wearing full firefighting kit.
This year's event is being staged outdoors at the Atlanta Braves' baseball stadium, in temperatures reaching around 36 degrees.
Organisers are expecting between 1,200 and 1,500 firefighters to take part.
The climb honours the 343 New York firefighters who died on 9/11, among nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives that day.
'A little bit closer to home'
Group Commander James West said the physical test is only part of the story.
"For me, this stair climb is just a small part of what those crews did on that day," he said.
"We're scaling 110 floors, and we're going to do it in full kit. But you've got to remember, those firefighters scaled all those floors in full kit and more kit, and then once they got to the top had to actually start working. The climb was just the start of what they had to do."
He added that, for those in the emergency services, the tribute carries an added weight.
"For myself and other emergency workers, it's a little bit closer to home," he said.
"It highlights the risks that we face day in, day out. Something like this could happen anywhere at any time, we've got to be prepared to respond. So it will be very, very emotional doing this challenge."
Firefighter Martin Spright said: "I wanted to take on this challenge as a mark of respect for the 343 firefighters who gave everything in the line of duty, and for every emergency service worker who made the ultimate sacrifice trying to save others."
'Incredibly proud'
The Bedfordshire colleagues have been training in preparation for a challenge that will test both their physical endurance and their determination.
Rob Hulatt, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We are incredibly proud of Martin, James and Emily for taking on this challenge. The challenge is a reminder of the courage and sacrifice shown by the New York Fire Department firefighters on 9/11, and a reminder of the dedication shown by firefighters every day in serving and protecting their communities.
"I wish them the very best of luck and thank everyone who supports their fundraising efforts."
The team are raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity in the UK and the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund in the United States.